History: This constellation was associated in Roman mythology with Dike, the goddess of Justice that was said to descend between humans when they no longer upheld justice. In Greek mythology it represents Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and is related to harvest and nature.

The name represents a maiden, also associated with the goddess of agriculture and harvest.

The Babylonians used to call it “the Furrow” as they said it represented the ear of grain of their goddess Shala. This is why this constellation is associated with fertility. In the Middle Ages, Virgo was associated with the Virgin Mary.

Stars: Spica is the brightest star of this constellation. Its name comes from the Latin meaning “ear of grain. This is a binary white star. Other bright stars of Virgo include Zavijava (beta Virginis), Auva (delta Virginis and Vindemiatrix (epsilon Virginis). There is also the first extrasolar planetary system discovered in the star 70 Virginis. There are 35 exoplanets orbiting the 29 stars of Virgo.

Galaxies: This constellation has a galaxy cluster called the Virgo cluster and many more other galaxies, such as Messier 58, Messier 59 and an unusual spiral galaxy, Sombrero Galaxy.